These remains were recovered in Cambodia during the 2024-2025 dry season by Team K90 of Military Zone 9. The funeral was organized by the An Giang People's Committee in coordination with the Military Zone 9 Command.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that the soldiers’ sacrifice was not only for the independence of Vietnam but also for the freedom and happiness of the Cambodian people. This, he said, symbolizes the solidarity and friendship between the two countries, serving as a foundation for continued positive relations and contributing to peace, stability, and cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the delegation perform the burial ritual for the remains of fallen soldiers at the Doc Ba Dac Martyrs' Cemetery. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

According to the government leader, although the war is over, the pain and memories remain etched in the minds of millions of families. Each set of remains recovered represents a piece of a harrowing historical puzzle and serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of past generations.

"We must not forget. Not a single soldier will be forgotten, and no family should have to wait in vain," the prime minister said.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, Vietnam currently has 23 teams dedicated to searching for and repatriating the remains of fallen soldiers in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Military Zone 9 alone has recovered 11,533 sets of remains since 2001, including 8,188 from Cambodia.

Vietnam has approximately 1.2 million fallen soldiers, over 260,000 wounded veterans, 198,000 veterans with illnesses, 132,656 Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, and 323,000 Agent Orange victims. Among the fallen soldiers, over 300,000 remain unidentified, with approximately 170,000 cases where the location of death is unknown.

Ngoc Tai